Trip to Thattekad - Birder Paradise, Keral

During our last trip to Kerala, we decided to go to Thattekad famous for the Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary.  It is a short drive of 45 - 60 mins from the Kochi (Airport) or 45 Kms from the closet railway station at Aluva.

This place has one of the richest bird habitats in India compared close to the Himalayas and bird species of ~250-270 can be seen here. One of the most sought after ones being he Ceylon Frogmouth.

We  checked-in at the Hornbill Camp a nice resort amongst coconut grooves and other plantations. It is nicely located along the banks of the river Periyar and overlooking the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary. Nice place to stay with Swiss tent accommodation.

There are a few other places around - Soma Bird Lagoon,Home Stays (Gireesh Chandran being the most sought after as he has good access to the Bird Sanctuary) and if you go around 50 Kms a few more places to stay.

We did couple of Birding trips from the resort to the nearby Urulanthanni Reserved Forest and we sighted the Ceylonese Frogmouth, Black-naped Monarch, Green Imperial Pigeon, 

Southern Hill Myna, 

Vernal Hanging Parrot and the Malabar giant Squirrel.
The Hornbill Camp has water activities including kayaking in the serene waters of Periyar river. One can also opt to cycle around the plantations & nearby areas.

For the bird lovers this is one of the places in India to visit definitely and you can plan up-to three days here.